Disk drive apparatus and method of mounting same

ABSTRACT

A disk drive apparatus mounting socket includes a socket portion which supports a disk drive apparatus, a lead portion which is connected to the disk drive apparatus supported by the socket portion, and a terminal unit which is electrically connected to the lead portion and to circuits on a board. A disk drive apparatus, which is connectable to an information processing unit, includes a connecting unit which connects the disk drive apparatus to the information processing unit, and an interface unit which controls the disk drive apparatus in response to a control signal, a data bus signal, and an address bus signal which are generated by the information processing unit and are inputted to the disk drive apparatus from the information processing unit via the connecting unit.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a division of application Ser. No. 08/176,689filed on Jan. 3, 1994, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.07/799,143 filed on Nov. 27, 1991, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a small, high capacity diskdrive apparatus with low power consumption and a method of mounting thesame.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] As is disclosed in PCT/WO89/08313, a related art small magneticdisk drive apparatus comprises one or more magnetic disks which areabout 2.5 inches in size. A rotary actuator mechanism, a magnetic headpositioning servo mechanism and power saving means are also mentionedtherein.

[0006] Specifically, the rotary actuator mechanism includes an armassembly having a cam follower for dynamically loading and unloading themagnetic head.

[0007] The servo mechanism enhances the accuracy of head positioning byreducing an external force applied upon the servo actuator and includeshardware and software for saving the consumed electric power.

[0008] The other prior art which is disclosed in the Japanese UnexaminedPatent Publication No. 62-256295 relates to a light weight andinexpensive disk drive apparatus in which the circuit board functions asthe dust cover.

[0009] In order to mount the disk drive apparatus within an informationprocessing system, it is necessary to connect the disk drive apparatuswith a unit mounted to a printed wiring board or to connect the diskdrive apparatus with a power supply. In order to reduce the number ofcables in this case, there has been utilized a printed wiring boardwhich is provided with a connector electrically connected with the diskdrive apparatus, for connecting to and from the printed wiring boardelectrical signals inputted and outputted to and from the disk driveapparatus.

[0010] The prior art will be described with reference to FIG. 26.

[0011] A plurality of disk drive apparatuses 32 are secured to a printedwiring board 31 by screws and the like.

[0012] A connector 33 which electrically connects the printed wiringboard 31 with a disk drive apparatus 32 is mounted upon the printedwiring board 31 in the vicinity of the disk drive apparatus 32. A cable36 having a connector from the disk drive apparatus 32 is connected tothe connector 33.

[0013] A connector 34 for external connection is mounted on the printedwiring board 31 at one end thereof.

[0014] The printed wiring board 31 has such an outer dimension that theboard can be mounted upon a printed wiring board mounting unit 40.

[0015] A connecting printed wiring board 41 is disposed at the rear sideof the printed wiring board mounting unit 40.

[0016] The connecting printed wiring board 41 is provided with circuitsfor a power supply and signal circuits and a connector 42 which will beconnected with the connector 34 of the printed wiring board 31.

[0017] The printed wiring board mounting unit 40 is provided withguiding grooves 43 for guiding and positioning the printed wiring boards31 so that the printed wiring boards 31 can be positively secured.

[0018] This mounts the printed wiring boards 31 to the printed wiringboard mounting unit 40 simultaneously with the electrical connectionwith the connecting printed wiring board 41.

[0019] Accordingly, the disk drive apparatus 32 is connected with anexternal device via the connector 34 and a printed circuit on theprinted wiring board 31. A cable which directly connects the externaldevice with the disk drive apparatus 32 is thus not necessary.

[0020] Such a prior art is also described in Japanese Unexamined PatentPublication No. 1-112586.

[0021] However, the disk drive apparatus in the prior art has not takeninto consideration such developments as miniaturization to less than 2.5inches in size, high density recording, rotational speed of the spindlemotor, control method and power supply method. There have been problemsin mounting space and power consumption of the disk drive apparatus andthe performance of the associated electronic circuit.

[0022] The number of cables which connect a group of disk driveapparatuses 32 on the printed wiring board 31 with an external devicehas been reduced by mounting a plurality of disk drive apparatuses 32 onthe same printed wiring board 31 and by connecting each disk driveapparatus 32 with the external device via the connector 34 provided onthe printed wiring board 31.

[0023] Accordingly, the printed wiring board 31 is merely used formounting mainly disk drive apparatuses 32.

[0024] There is also a problem that the group of the disk driveapparatuses 32 is connected with the printed wiring board 31 via thecable 36 with a connector of the disk drive apparatus 32 and theconnector 33 on the printed wiring board 31.

[0025] In other words, the connector portion and cable connectionoccupies a greater area of the mounting board or the disk drive in theprior art even if the disk drive is miniaturized. The miniaturization ofthe disk drive has not been effective.

[0026] Mounting of the disk drive apparatus 32 and an informationprocessing unit including a CPU and memory elements to the same boardhas not been considered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0027] It is an object of the present invention to provide a small diskdrive apparatus which is applicable to a small information processingsystem, such as a note book type personal computer or a palm toppersonal computer.

[0028] It is another object of the present invention to provide a lowpower consumption small disk drive and a higher performance electroniccircuit.

[0029] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a highcapacity disk drive apparatus.

[0030] It is a still further object of the present invention to providea method of mounting a disk drive apparatus to a printed wiring board inthe same manner as electronic components together with the otherinformation processing unit so that the mounting area of the disk driveapparatus is reduced.

[0031] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide adisk drive apparatus which can be used like a memory card.

[0032] The present invention was made to accomplish the above mentionedobjects. In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided amethod of mounting a disk drive apparatus to a circuit board, comprisingproviding said disk drive apparatus with a connecting unit which is incontact with an external circuit and providing said circuit board with aterminal unit which corresponds to said connecting unit and iselectrically connected with said external circuit, and directlyconnecting said connecting unit with said terminal unit to connect andsecure said disk drive apparatus to said circuit board.

[0033] It is preferable that connection of the connecting unit with saidterminal unit be achieved by a DIP, PLCC, QFP, PGA, microtribeam ormulti-contact rotary connection mounting method.

[0034] It is preferable that a power supply terminal and a groundterminal which are formed in said connecting unit and said terminal unitbe disposed in positions which are in a diagonally opposed relationship.

[0035] It is preferable that the connecting unit have a plurality ofterminals, the spacing between the terminals being an integer multipleof 0.254 mm.

[0036] If the DIP package design is adopted, there is provided a methodof mounting a disk drive apparatus in which said connection of saidconnecting unit with said terminal unit is performed by a dual-in-linepackage mounting method and in which a plurality of disk driveapparatuses are stacked on top of each other by inserting saidconnecting unit of an upper disk drive apparatus into through-holesprovided on the connecting unit of a lower disk drive.

[0037] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided adisk drive mounting socket comprising a socket portion for supporting adisk drive, a lead portion which is connected with said disk drivesupported by said socket portion, and a terminal unit which iselectrically contacted with said lead portion to connect with circuitson a board.

[0038] In this case, it is preferable that the socket have a vibrationabsorbing member at a portion which contacts with said disk driveapparatus.

[0039] In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided adisk drive apparatus which is connected with an information processingunit comprising a disk drive apparatus, means for connecting said diskdrive apparatus with said information processing unit, and interfacemeans for controlling said disk drive apparatus in response to a controlsignal, a data bus signal and an address bus signal which are generatedby and inputted from said information processing unit via saidconnecting means.

[0040] Furthermore, an information processing apparatus including thisdisk drive apparatus is provided.

[0041] In this case, it is preferable that said connecting means can beconnected with a connector of a memory card of the informationprocessing unit.

[0042] A disk drive apparatus in which a ground signal line is omittedfrom signal lines for a standard interface for connection with anexternal device is provided.

[0043] In this case, it is preferable that the signal lines for theinterface of the disk drive apparatus include a control signal line, adata bus and a power supply line.

[0044] The forms of the present invention will now be described in moredetail.

[0045] The present invention adopts a method which is similar to amethod of mounting electronic components to a board.

[0046] A package design which is used for packaging electroniccomponents such as ICs is adopted as the package design of the diskdrive apparatus. The package designs of the electronic components aremainly classified into two package designs such as a DIP package whichis pin insertion mounted and a QFP package which is surface mounted.

[0047] Both of these two package designs can be used for the disk driveapparatus.

[0048] The board on which the disk drive apparatus will be mounted isprovided with contact terminals which are printed in a similar manner tothe printed wiring on the board.

[0049] Electrical connection between a disk drive apparatus with aninformation processing unit when they are mounted on the same board isenabled by connecting the leads of the disk drive apparatus with thecontact terminals on the board.

[0050] It is expected that the need to replace the disk drive apparatuswill arise after mounting it to the board. In order to fulfill suchneed, a disk drive apparatus mounting socket is provided between thedisk drive apparatus and the board to make it easier to replace the diskdrive apparatus after mounting. The mounting socket is comprised of avibration absorbing member made of an elastomer or the like so thatvibrations/impacts applied upon the disk drive apparatus are reduced.

[0051] In order to enable a disk drive apparatus to be carried and to beused like a memory card, a disk interface control unit is provided inthe disk drive apparatus so that the disk drive apparatus can beoperated with the same prior art interface for a card memory.

[0052] Operation of the foregoing embodiments will now be described.

[0053] Electrical connection to the contact terminals is made possibleby using printed wiring on the board which is the same wiring used forconnection of the CPU and memory devices since the disk drive apparatuscan be mounted to the same board as the CPU and the memory devices.

[0054] The disk drive apparatus is provided on the sides thereof withleads for electrical connection with an external device.

[0055] The leads of the disk drive apparatus can be contacted withcontact terminals on the board without using any cables. Prior artmembers securing the disk drive apparatus such as screws are eliminated.Portability of the drive disk apparatus is enhanced by using a socketwhen the disk drive apparatus is mounted to the board. The socket alsofunctions as a vibration absorbing member.

[0056] The disk drive apparatus can be used like a memory card byincorporating a disk interface control in the disk drive apparatus tocope with a system bus.

[0057] The disk drive apparatus can be mounted on the board like a TTLelectronic component since a power supply terminal and a ground terminalare arranged on the DIP leadframe in a diagonal relationship with eachother, making it unlikely that miswiring of the power supply line willoccur.

[0058] Stacking of a disk drive apparatus with other electroniccomponents or a plurality of disk drive apparatuses is made possible byproviding the leads of the disk drive apparatus with insertion holes.

[0059] An information processing unit can read and write data to andfrom the disk drive apparatus in response to a control signal, anaddress signal and a data bus signal similarly to a memory card.

[0060] The present invention may take the following forms.

[0061] The disk may be about 1.7 inches in outer diameter.

[0062] Recording/reproducing system changing means may be provided forchanging the frequency of the read/write clock depending upon the dataaccess position of the head. Rotational speed changing means forchanging the rotational speed of the disk may be provided. The headpositioning control method may be a servo-surface servo method. The headpositioning control method may be a data-surface servo method. The headpositioning control method may be the servo-surface servo method at aseeking time and may be the data-surface servo method at a followingtime. The head positioning control method may be a combination of theservo-surface servo method and the data-surface servo method. A headmoving method used for head positioning control may be a rotary movingmethod or a linear moving method. If the head moving method used forhead positioning control is the rotary moving method, a rotary axis ofthe head may be aligned with the center of rotation of force.

[0063] The disk drive apparatus may be about 12 mm, about 73 mm andabout 51 mm in height, width and depth, respectively.

[0064] One disk of the disk drive apparatus may have a storage capacityof not less than 40 M bytes. The voltage supplied from an externalsystem to the disk drive apparatus may be about 5 volts or alternativelyabout 3.3 volts.

[0065] The means for connecting the disk drive apparatus with anexternal system such as an information processing system may be providedwith a power supply line for supplying power from the external system tothe connecting system. The power from the external system may beindependently supplied to analog circuits and digital circuits of thedisk drive apparatus.

[0066] A spindle motor for rotating the disk may have an outer hub typestructure and may be an outer wheel rotary type or an inner wheel rotarytype. Alternatively, the spindle motor may have an inner hub typestructure and may be an outer wheel rotary type or an inner wheel rotarytype. Electronic circuits for the connecting means and the interfacemeans may be disposed on the same board. The board may have the functionof a member for supporting a spindle motor shaft of the rotating means.A signal connecting unit may be disposed on the board.

[0067] The electronic circuit may comprise a read/write signalprocessing LSI for writing and reading data to and from the disk, a datacontrol LSI for controlling data fed to and from an external system, anactuator control LSI for controlling the positioning of the magnetichead and the rotation of the spindle motor, a microcomputer for managingthe control of the whole of the apparatus and RAM/ROM for storing thedata.

[0068] In order to miniaturize the disk drive apparatus, the board towhich a disk control electronic circuit is mounted forms a part of thecasing for the disk drive apparatus. The disk control electronic circuitmay be disposed in a free space of the disk drive apparatus by mountingthe electronic circuit on a film-like board. It will suffice to use asmall data recording disk having an outer diameter of about 1.7 inchesin order to achieve the miniaturization. Even if the disk isminiaturized, the linear recording density and track density may beincreased to provide a high storage capacity. In order to accomplishthis, the linear recording density is made as constant as possible andthe storage capacity is increased by adopting a constant densityrecording method in which the writing frequency is changed in the radialdirection of the disk. Accordingly, the disk drive apparatus may includerecording/reproducing system changing means for changing the read/writeclock frequency depending upon the data access position. This may beachieved by changing the rotational speed of the spindle motor forrotating the disk. This rotational speed changing means contributes to areduction in the power consumption of the disk drive apparatus byreducing or stopping the rotation of the disk when it is unnecessary.

[0069] Head positioning control achieves at least 2500 TPI by theservo-surface servo method. Alternatively, the data-surface servo methodmay be used. The servo-surface servo method and the data-surface servomethod may be used on seeking and following, respectively. A combinationof the servo-surface servo method and the data-surface servo system maybe used. In order to achieve miniaturization and high precision, thehead is moved by either the rotary or the linear moving method. A rotarymoving method in which a rotary head axis is aligned with the center ofthe rotation of an applied force may be adopted to enhance the controlperformance by suppressing the residual vibrations at a following timewhen the head positioning is controlled by the rotary moving method.

[0070] The disk drive apparatus measures about 12 mm, about 73 mm, andabout 51 mm in height, width and depth, respectively, so it can be seenthat the apparatus is miniaturized. The disk drive apparatus may have abuilt-in disk and have a storage capacity of not less than 40 M bytes.In order to achieve simplification of the power source of the externalsystem and to provide a disk drive apparatus with a low powerconsumption, the supplied voltage may be about 5 volts or as low as 3.3volts. A signal connecting unit which feeds a control signal and a datasignal between the external system and the disk drive apparatus may beprovided with a power terminal for receiving a voltage supplied from theexternal system. The electronic control circuit for the disk driveapparatus may be stabilized by supplying power separately to analog anddigital circuits.

[0071] A spindle motor for rotating the disk may have an outer hub typestructure and may be an outer wheel rotary type or an inner wheel rotarytype. Alternatively, the spindle motor may have an inner hub typestructure and may be an outer wheel rotary type or an inner wheel rotarytype. Electronic circuits for the connecting means and interface meansmay be disposed on the same board. The board may have a function of asupporting member for the spindle motor shaft of the rotating means. Asignal connecting unit may be disposed on the board.

[0072] The electronic circuit may comprise a read/write signalprocessing LSI for writing and reading data to and from the disk, a datacontrol LSI for controlling data fed to and from an external system, anactuator control LSI for controlling the positioning of the magnetichead and the rotation of the spindle motor, a microcomputer for managingthe control of the entire apparatus and RAM/ROM for storing the data.

[0073] Since the disk drive is mounted to a board by the same methodused when mounting electronic components to the board in accordance withthe present invention, the area of the board which is occupied by thedisk drive can be reduced.

[0074] Since the disk drive apparatus, CPU and memory devices aremounted on the same board with the disk drive apparatus and the CPU andthe like being arranged in a vertical direction, a cable for connectingthe disk drive apparatus with the CPU and the memory devices becomesunnecessary so that miniaturization of the information processing unitcan be achieved.

[0075] The disk drive apparatus is removably mounted to the board bymeans of a socket. Since the socket is comprised of a vibrationabsorbing member made of an elastomer or the like, reliability of theinformation processing system during transportation is improved.

[0076] Direct connection and stacking of the disk drive apparatus withother electronic components is made possible.

[0077] The disk drive apparatus can be used like a memory card.

[0078] If the board on which the electronic disk control circuit ismounted constitutes a part of the casing of the disk drive apparatus orthe electronic disk control circuit is disposed in a free space of thedisk drive apparatus by mounting the disk control electronic circuit ona film-like board, miniaturization of the disk drive apparatus isachieved and it becomes suitable for incorporation into equipment.

[0079] If the disk is made about 1.7 inches in outer diameter and thedisk drive apparatus comprises recording/reproducing system changingmeans for changing the frequency of the read/write clock depending uponthe data access position, positioning means having a data-surface servosystem for making the track density not less than 2500 TPI androtational speed changing means for changing the rotational speed of thedisk, a very small, high capacity and low power consumption disk driveapparatus which is suitable for incorporation into equipment isprovided.

[0080] If the positioning control performance is obtained, thepositioning control method may be the servo-surface servo method, or theservo-surface servo method at a seeking time and the data-surface servomethod at a following time, or alternatively a combination of theservo-surface servo method and the data-surface servo method.

[0081] If the rotary moving method in which a drive unit requires lessarea or the linear moving method in which no offset angle of the headexists and high head positioning performance is readily obtained isadopted as the head moving method, a very small and high capacity diskdrive apparatus which is suitable for incorporation into equipment canbe provided.

[0082] If the rotary moving method in which the rotary axis of themagnetic head is aligned with the center of force is adopted as the headmoving method, residual vibration occurring when the head is moved canbe remarkably reduced so that enhancement in following accuracy andshortening of access time can be achieved.

[0083] Again, a very small and high capacity disk drive apparatus canthus be provided.

[0084] If the disk drive apparatus is made about 12 mm in height, theapparatus is made so small that it is easy to incorporate the apparatusinto equipment.

[0085] If the disk drive apparatus is made about 73 mm in width andabout 51 mm in depth, a very small disk drive apparatus which issuitable for incorporation into equipment can be provided.

[0086] If the disk drive apparatus includes one disk having a storagecapacity of not less than 40 M bytes, a very small disk drive apparatuswhich is suitable for incorporation into equipment can be provided.

[0087] If the voltage supplied from the external system to the diskdrive apparatus is between about 5 volts and 3 volts, the disk driveapparatus is suitable for incorporation into equipment since thesupplied voltage is generally used in small office automation equipmentwhich is battery powered.

[0088] If the connecting means for feeding a control signal and a datasignal between the external system and the disk drive apparatus isprovided with a power terminal for receiving voltage applied from theexternal system, the space for connection with the external system canbe reduced so that the disk drive apparatus is suitable forincorporation into equipment.

[0089] If power is separately supplied to analog and digital circuits ofthe disk drive apparatus from the external system, the performance ofthe electronic circuit of the disk drive apparatus can be enhanced.

[0090] If the spindle motor for rotating the disk has an outer hub typestructure or an inner hub type structure, and is of an outer wheelrotary type or an inner wheel rotary type, the rotation of the disk canbe stabilized by miniaturization of the spindle motor and an increase inshaft torque.

[0091] If the electronic circuits are disposed on the same board as thedisk drive apparatus, a saving in space on the electronic circuit boardcan be achieved and the disk drive apparatus is suitable forincorporation into equipment.

[0092] If the board also functions as a support member for the spindlemotor shaft, the spindle motor can be miniaturized and the disk driveapparatus becomes suitable for incorporation into equipment.

[0093] If the connecting means is disposed on the board, a saving inboard space can be achieved and the disk drive apparatus becomessuitable for incorporation into equipment.

[0094] The electronic circuit of the disk drive apparatus comprises aread/write signal processing LSI for writing and reading data to andfrom the disk, a data control LSI for controlling data fed to and froman external system, an actuator control LSI for controlling thepositioning of the magnetic head and the rotation of the spindle motor,a microcomputer for managing the control of the entire apparatus andRAM/ROM for storing the data. Accordingly, a saving in space for theelectronic circuit can be achieved and the disk drive apparatus issuitable for incorporation into equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the whole of an embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0096]FIG. 2 is a top plan view and an elevational view showing a diskdrive apparatus which adopts the DIP leads;

[0097]FIG. 3 is a view showing the pin arrangement of the disk driveapparatus which adopts the DIP leads;

[0098]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the whole of a disk driveapparatus showing a disk drive apparatus which adopts the PLCC leads;

[0099]FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the whole of a disk driveapparatus which adopts the QFP leads;

[0100]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the whole of a disk driveapparatus which adopts the PGA leads;

[0101]FIG. 7 is an elevational view showing a disk drive apparatus whichadopts the SCSI specification leads and a board therefor;

[0102]FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an SCSI pin arrangement;

[0103]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the pin arrangement of the disk driveapparatus;

[0104]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a disk drive apparatus whichcan be used like a memory card;

[0105]FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the whole of a disk driveapparatus which adopts a microtribeam connector;

[0106]FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the whole of a disk driveapparatus which adopts a multi-contact rotary connection connector;

[0107]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a disk drive apparatus whichcan be used in two modes such as a disk drive apparatus mode and amemory card mode;

[0108]FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the whole of a disk driveapparatus which adopts the PLCC leads and a socket for the same;

[0109]FIG. 15 is an elevational view showing a disk drive apparatuswhich adopts the DIP leads;

[0110]FIG. 16 is an elevational view showing a socket which is providedwith dampers therein;

[0111]FIG. 17 is a top plan view and an elevational view showing a stackof two disk drive apparatuses;

[0112]FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of adisk drive apparatus of the present invention;

[0113]FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a diskdrive apparatus;

[0114]FIG. 20 is a partial block diagram and a partial perspective viewshowing a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0115]FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a VCM (voice coil motor) ofa disk drive apparatus of the present invention;

[0116]FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a further embodiment of adisk drive apparatus of the present invention;

[0117]FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a further embodiment of adisk drive apparatus of the present invention;

[0118]FIG. 24 is a top plan view and a side elevation view showing aspindle motor of a disk drive apparatus of the present invention;

[0119]FIG. 25 is a top plan view and a side elevation view showing anelectronic circuit board of a disk drive apparatus of the presentinvention; and

[0120]FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an example of the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0121] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the drawings.

[0122] The present invention is not limited to only the followingembodiments.

[0123] Embodiment 1

[0124] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of anembodiment of a small hard disk drive apparatus (hereinafter referred toas an SHDD) 1 which is mounted on a circuit or printed wiring board 2.

[0125] An information processing unit 5 comprising a CPU 3 and memorydevices 4, a device controller 6, a disk interface control 7, etc., areformed on the circuit board 2. These components are electricallyconnected with each other by a bus line 8. In the present embodiment,the SHDD 1 is mounted on the circuit board. In other words, both theinformation processing unit 5 and the SHDD 1 are provided on the samecircuit board.

[0126] Contact terminals 9 which are extensions of the bus line 8 areprovided on the periphery of the SHDD 1 on the circuit board. On theother hand, leads 11 are provided in positions corresponding to thecontact terminals 9. The SHDD 1 is electrically connected with the CPU3, memory devices 4, etc., via the contact terminals 9 and the leads 11.

[0127] The SHDD 1 and the leads 11 are shown in detail in FIG. 2.

[0128] The SHDD 1 includes therein a magnetic disk 12, a magnetic diskrotation control 13, a magnetic head 14, a magnetic head drive control15 and a disk drive control circuit 10.

[0129] The leads 11 are provided on both the right and left sides of theSHDD 1. DIP (dual-in-line package) type leads 111 are adopted as theleads 11 in the present embodiment.

[0130] As mentioned above, inputting and outputting from and to theinformation processing unit 5, etc., is carried out via the DIP typeleads 111.

[0131] The spacings between the DIP type leads 111 of the presentinvention are 100 mils (2.54 mm) so that they are equal to those betweenthrough-holes of the circuit board 2. Although it is preferable topreset the lead spacing to an integer multiple of 10 mils (0.254 mm),the lead spacing may be preset to a desired pitch without being limitedto this value.

[0132] Through-holes are provided on the circuit board 2 as contactterminals 9 in positions corresponding to the DIP type leads 111.

[0133] Mounting of the SHDD 1 is carried out by inserting the DIP typeleads 111 into the through-holes which are the contact terminals 9.

[0134] Insertion of the DIP type leads 111 into the through-holesenables the SHDD 1 to be fixed onto the circuit board 2 and to beelectrically connected with the information processing unit 5 similarlyto conventional DIP type electronic components.

Embodiment 2

[0135] The second embodiment is substantially identical with the firstembodiment in structure and has a feature that a power source pin 16 anda ground pin 17 are in a diagonally opposed relationship as shown inFIG. 3.

[0136] The arrangement of the power source pin and the ground pin hasheretofore been uniquely preset in TTL (transistor-transistor logic)devices. The frequency of misconnection occurring when the SHDD 1 ismounted on the circuit board 2 can be reduced by adopting such a pinarrangement with the present invention. Connectors other than the DIPtype are also applicable.

[0137] Embodiment 3

[0138] The third embodiment is substantially identical with the firstembodiment in structure and has a feature that PLCC (plastic leaded chipcarrier) type leads 112 are adopted as the leads 11 as shown in FIG. 4.The PLCC type leads 112 are provided on the lower surface of the SHDD 1along the outer periphery thereof.

[0139] The SHDD 1 is electrically connected with the informationprocessing unit 5 via the PLCC type leads 112 and the contact terminals9 on the circuit board 2. The SHDD 1 is mounted on the circuit board 2by a technique identical with the PLCC mounting technique.

[0140] Embodiment 4

[0141] The present fourth embodiment is substantially identical with thefirst embodiment in structure and has a feature that QFP (quad flatpackage) type leads 113 are adopted as the leads 11 as shown in FIG. 5.The QFP type leads 113 are provided on the lower surface of the SHDD 1along the outer periphery thereof.

[0142] The SHDD 1 of the present embodiment is mounted on and connectedwith the circuit board 2 by the technique identical with the QFP typemounting technique.

[0143] Embodiment 5

[0144] The fifth embodiment is substantially identical with the firstembodiment in structure and has a feature that PGA (pin grid array)leads 114 are adopted as the leads 11 as shown in FIG. 6. The PGA typeleads 114 are disposed on the lower surface of the SHDD 1.

[0145] The SHDD 1 of the present embodiment is mounted on and connectedwith the circuit board 2 by inserting the PGA type leads 114 intothrough-holes 91 provided on the circuit board 2 as the contactterminals 9.

[0146] As mentioned above, any designs for contacting with the boardwhich are used for conventional electronic components may be adopted.

[0147] Embodiment 6

[0148] The present embodiment is substantially identical with the firstembodiment in structure and has a feature that the leads 11 and theconnection terminals 9 comply with a connector having a SCSI (SmallComputer System Interface) specification.

[0149] The leads 11 of the SHDD 1 can be provided in a desiredarrangement at desired positions. In the present embodiment, the SHDD 1is provided with leads 115 which comply with the SCSI specification asshown in FIG. 7. On the other hand, a SCSI connector 20 is provided asthe connection terminals on the circuit board 2. The pin arrangement ofthe SCSI specification leads 115 is shown in FIG. 8.

[0150] Mounting of the SHDD 1 is completed by directly connecting theSCSI specification leads 115 to the SCSI connector 20.

[0151] The present embodiment has been described with reference to SCSIused as a standard interface. The present invention is not limited toonly SCSI. It is possible to make the leads comply with other interfacespecifications such as ESDI.

[0152] It is possible to make the number of communication signalsbetween the SHDD 1 and the information processing unit 5 equal to 18 byomitting a ground signal as shown in FIG. 9.

[0153] In this case, the 18 communication signals include 9 controlsignals (ATN, BSY, ACK, RST, MSG, SEL, C/D, REQ, I/O) and 9 data bussignals (8 bits data+1 bit parity).

[0154] If power source lines (power supply and ground) are introducedvia the leads 11, the number of the connection lines may be 20.

[0155] Embodiment 7

[0156] The structure of the seventh embodiment of the SHDD 1 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 10.

[0157] The SHDD 1 comprises a built-in disk interface control 72 and adisk drive control circuit 10. In this case, the disk drive controlcircuit 10 includes a read/write circuit and a magnetic head positioningcontrol circuit. The SHDD 1 also includes a connection detecting unit 18for detecting the connection state of the SHDD 1.

[0158] The built-in disk interface control 72 of the present inventionhas an address bus signal, a data bus signal and a memory control signalas connection signals which are outputted to and inputted from theinformation processing unit 5. This enables the SHDD 1 to be used like amemory card.

[0159] The connection detecting unit 18 has connection detecting signalsfor confirming the connection between the SHDD 1 and the circuit board2. The connection detecting signals are outputted via a connecting unit120 and include an SHDD identification signal and a connectionconfirmation signal.

[0160] The SHDD identification signal corresponds to an identificationsignal of RAM or ROM of the memory card and is identical with the RAMidentification signal in the case of SHDD connection.

[0161] In this embodiment, a microtribeam type connector 121 which isused for mounting the memory card is adopted for the connecting unit 120between the SHDD 1 and an external circuit, that is, a portioncorresponding to the leads 11 of the embodiment 1. The microtribeamconnector 121 is illustrated in FIG. 11. Although not shown, a connectorcorresponding to the microtribeam type connector 121 is provided on theboard on which the SHDD 1 is to be mounted.

[0162] Mounting of the SHDD 1 is completed by connecting themicrotribeam type connector of the SHDD 1 to the connector (not shown)provided on the circuit board.

[0163] At this time, the connection detecting unit 18 feeds the SHDDidentification signal and the connection confirmation signal to theinformation processing unit 5 so that the connection is confirmed.

[0164] On the writing of data, the built-in disk interface control 72generates and feeds a disk access control signal and data to the diskdrive control circuit 10 in response to the address bus signal, thememory control signal and the data bus signal which are inputted via theconnecting unit 120.

[0165] The control circuit 10 performs writing of data into the magneticdisk in response to the disk access control signal and the data.

[0166] Reading of the data is achieved by carrying out the reverse ofthe foregoing operation.

[0167] In the present embodiment, operation control of the SHDD 1 isenabled by the data bus, the address bus and the control signals used inthe memory card. That is, a system bus of an information processing uniton which the SHDD 1 is mounted can be directly connected with the SHDD1. Accordingly, connection of the SHDD 1 with computers having differentdisk drive connection specifications is possible via the system bus.

[0168] The design of the connecting unit 120 is not limited to only thatdescribed in this embodiment. The connecting unit 120 may be, forexample, a multi-contact rotary connector 122 as shown in FIG. 12.

[0169] Embodiment 8

[0170] The present embodiment has a feature that use of the SHDD 1 isenabled in both a disk drive apparatus mode and a memory card mode.

[0171] The structure will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0172] The SHDD 1 comprises a magnetic disk 12, a built-in diskinterface control 72, a connection detecting unit 18 and a disk drivecontrol circuit 10.

[0173] In the present embodiment, the SHDD 1 further includes aselecting circuit 19. A disk interface control 71 is provided outsidethe SHDD 1.

[0174] The selecting circuit 19 selects one of either the disk interfacecontrol 71 or the built-in disk interface control 72 in response to anexternally inputted mode switching signal to bring the SHDD 1 into thedisk drive apparatus mode or the memory card mode, respectively.

[0175] The magnetic disk 12, the built-in disk interface control 72, theconnection detecting unit 18 and the disk drive control circuit 10 areidentical to those of the embodiment 7. operation of the embodiment 8will now be described.

[0176] In the disk drive apparatus mode, the disk interface control 71is selected by the selecting circuit 19. An access to the magnetic disk12 is performed in response to the disk access control signal and datawhich are outputs of the disk interface control 71. On the other hand,in the memory card mode, the built-in disk interface control 72 isselected by the selecting circuit 19. An access to the magnetic disk 12is performed in response to the disk access control signal and datawhich are the outputs of the built-in disk interface control 72.

[0177] As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, the SHDD 1 can beused in either the disk drive apparatus mode or the memory card mode.

[0178] Embodiment 9

[0179] This embodiment has a feature that the SHDD 1 is mounted on thecircuit board by using an SHDD mounting socket 23.

[0180] The embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0181] The SHDD 1 of the present embodiment is designed with a PLCC typeconnecting unit as shown in the embodiment 3, that is, the PLCC typeleads 112. The design of the connecting unit is not limited to only thatshown in the drawing.

[0182] The SHDD mounting socket 23 secured on the circuit board 2 hassuch a design and a dimension that it can house the SHDD 1 therein andthe socket 23 has connection terminals 9 corresponding to the PLCC typeleads 112. The SHDD mounting socket 23 is provided on the lower surfacethereof with board mounting leads 51 for securing the SHDD mountingsocket 23 on the board.

[0183] The SHDD mounting socket 23 is preferably composed of a vibrationabsorbing member made of an elastic material having a vibrationabsorbing capability.

[0184] The SHDD 1 is mounted on the circuit board by inserting the SHDD1 into the SHDD mounting socket 23.

[0185] Embodiment 10

[0186] A vibration absorbing capability is provided by using elastomers(rubber and the like) for securing means of the board, for example,screws.

[0187] In accordance with the present invention, the SHDD 1 is directlymounted onto the same circuit board as the information processing unitincluding a CPU and the like. Accordingly, it is necessary to providethe vibration absorbing capability to the SHDD 1 in a portion other thanthe portion where it connects with the circuit board.

[0188] In the present embodiment, the vibration absorbing capability isprovided in the socket when the SHDD 1 is mounted upon the circuit boardby using the socket.

[0189] The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.15.

[0190] The SHDD mounting socket 23 is provided with dampers 50 made ofleaf springs on the inner upper and lower sides thereof.

[0191] The SHDD 1 is supported and fixed by the dampers 50 in the SHDDmounting socket 23.

[0192] The SHDD mounting socket 23 is provided with board mounting leads51 on the outer lower side thereof. The SHDD 1 is bonded and fixed tothe circuit board by the leads 51. The leads 11 of the SHDD 1 areconnected with the board mounting leads 51 of the SHDD mounting socket23 via leads 52.

[0193] The dampers 50 are not limited to only leaf springs and may be anelastomer member 53 made of rubber, etc., as shown in FIG. 16.

[0194] Means for contacting the leads 11 of the SHDD 1 with the leads 51of the SHDD mounting socket 23 is not limited to only the leads 52 shownin FIG. 15, and may be pressure contacts 54 which are shown in FIG. 16.The SHDD mounting socket 23 on which the SHDD 1 is mounted can beconsidered as a single SHDD.

[0195] In the present embodiment, vibrations and impacts on the boardcan be absorbed between the mounting socket 23 and the SHDD 1.

[0196] Embodiment 11

[0197] Stacking of the SHDD 1 is achieved as shown in FIG. 17 in thepresent embodiment.

[0198] The SHDDs 1 are provided with leads 11 which are identical withthose of embodiment 1. The leads 11 are DIP type leads 111 which areinserted into through-holes provided on the board. Each of the DIP leads111 is provided with an insertion portion 24 having the same design asthe through-holes into which one of the other DIP type leads 111 can beinserted.

[0199] A plurality of the SHDDs 1 are bonded with each other by theleads 11 by stacking one SHDD 1 on the other SHDD 1 and inserting theDIP type leads 111 of the upper SHDD 1 into insertion portions 24 of thelower SHDD 1. This makes it possible to mount a stack of the SHDDs 1 onthe board.

[0200] The insertion portions 24 provided on the leads 11 may be usedfor insertion or connecting of electronic components which are requiredfor insertion or removal of the SCSI termination resistors.

[0201] In the present embodiment, stacking of the SHDD 1 is possible. Noadditional area for mounting of an additional SHDD 1 is required and themounting board can be effectively used. Although the SHDD 1 is mountedon the board so that the side of the SHDD 1 having the widest area facesto the board, the side of the SHDD 1 which faces to the board isprescribed only by the conditions for the SHDD 1 providing direction.

[0202] Embodiment 12

[0203] Referring now to FIG. 18, there is shown an exploded perspectiveview of the SHDD. The SHDD comprises a mechanism 201 and an electroniccircuit 202 for controlling the mechanism 201. The mechanism 201comprises a magnetic disk 203, a magnetic head 204 for writing andreading data to or from the magnetic disk 203, a spindle motor 205 forrotating the magnetic disk 203, a guide arm 206 for supporting themagnetic head 204, a VCM (voice coil motor) 207 for moving the magnetichead 204, a casing 208 for encasing the aforementioned components 203 to207 and an electronic circuit board 209 for controlling theaforementioned parts, that is, magnetic disk 203 to VCM 207. Theelectronic circuit board 209 constitutes a part of the casing 208 forencasing the mechanism 201. This board 209 provides a member to supportthe mechanism 201 so that the SHDD can be miniaturized. If the circuitboard 209 is made of ceramics having an excellent heat dissipatingability, miniaturization of the circuit can be achieved by directlymounting LSI chips on the board in a bare chip manner without encasingthe LSI chips in packages. Since the circuit board is large in size incomparison with the LSI package, it will become easier to thermallydesign the LSI. In accordance with the present embodiment, an ultrasmall magnetic disk drive which is suitable for incorporation into anapparatus can be provided.

[0204] Embodiment 13

[0205] Referring now to FIG. 19, there is shown an exploded perspectiveview of an embodiment of an SHDD of the present invention. The SHDDcomprises a mechanism 201 and an electronic circuit 202 for controllingthe mechanism 201. The mechanism 201 is identical with that shown inFIG. 18. The electronic circuit board 209 is in the form of a flexiblefilm on which electronic components are mounted. This packaging enablesthe components to be received in a free space of the casing of the SHDDso that miniaturization of the SHDD is achieved. In consideration of thethermal radiation of the electronic components, the circuit board may beprovided outside the casing of the SHDD or alternatively provided in afree space in an external system into which the SHDD is incorporated. Inaccordance with the present embodiment, an ultra small magnetic diskdrive which is suitable for incorporation into an apparatus can beprovided.

[0206] Embodiment 14

[0207] Referring now to FIG. 20, there is shown a block diagram and aperspective view showing another embodiment of an SHDD of the presentinvention. The SHDD comprises a mechanism 201 and an electronic circuit202 for controlling the mechanism 201. The block diagram shows thecircuit configuration of the electronic circuit 202. The mechanism 201comprises a magnetic disk 203 for storing the data, a magnetic head 204for writing and reading data to and from the magnetic disk 203, aspindle motor 205 for rotating the magnetic disk 203, a guide arm 206for supporting the magnetic head 204, a VCM 207 for moving the magnetichead 204, a casing 208 for encasing therein the aforementionedcomponents 203 to 207 and an electronic circuit board 209 for supportingthe components from the magnetic disk 203 to the VCM 207. The electroniccircuit 202 for controlling the mechanism comprises a read/writefunction unit 210 for writing and reading data onto and from themagnetic disk 203, a mechanism control 211 for controlling the positionof the magnetic head 204 to a desired track and for controlling therotational speed of the magnetic disk 203, and a data control 212 forcontrolling the data fed between the read/write function unit 210 and anexternal host. Each unit is formed as follows: The read/write functionunit 210 comprises a R/W amplifier 213 for recording and reproducingdata on and from the magnetic disk 203, a waveform shaping circuit 214for shaping the waveform of the read signal from the magnetic disk 203,a data separator 215 for extracting a reference clock from the readsignal the waveform of which has been shaped, and an encode/decodecircuit 216 for converting the codes recorded on the magnetic disk 203into NRZ codes based upon the waveform shaped by the waveform shapingcircuit 214 and the reference clock, and for converting NRZ signals fedfrom the data control unit 212 into codes which are suitable forrecording on the magnetic disk 203. The mechanism control 211 comprisesa positional signal generating circuit 217 for generating positionalinformation about the magnetic head 204, a head positioning controlcircuit 218 for controlling the positioning of the magnetic head 204 inresponse to the positional information, a motor driver 219 for feedingthe output of the head positioning control circuit 218 to the VCM 207, aspindle motor control/driver 220 for controlling the rotational speed ofthe spindle motor 205 and a write clock generating circuit 221 forfeeding a write clock to the read/write function unit 210 based on theoutput of the positional signal generating circuit 217. The data control212 comprises an SCSI controller 222 for controlling the SCSI protocolwhich is standard for the transfer of data to and from an external host,an HDC (hard disk controller) 223 for converting parallel data from anexternal system into data (generally serial data) suitable for recordingand reproducing on and from the magnetic disk 203, a buffer RAM 224 foradjusting for the difference in the data transfer rate between theexternal host and the HDC 223 and the data transfer rate between the HDC223 and the magnetic disk 203, and a CPU 225 for controlling all of theunits in the SHDD. A large quantity of data can be stored on themagnetic disk 203 by making the external dimension of the magnetic disk203 about 1.7 inch and by providing means for changing the frequency ofthe read clock generated by the data separator 215 and the frequency ofthe write clock of the write clock generating circuit 221 depending uponthe reading and writing position of the magnetic head 204 upon themagnetic disk 203. Low power consumption of the SHDD can be provided byproviding the spindle motor control/driver 220 with means for changingthe rotational speed of the magnetic disk 203. Recording of a largequantity of data on the magnetic disk 203 may be provided by using themeans for changing the rotational speed without providing means forchanging the frequency of the clock for recording and reading data onand from the magnetic disk 203. In order to record a large quantity ofdata on the magnetic disk 203, the track density is made not less than2500 TPI (tracks per inch). This can be achieved by providing a headpositioning control circuit 218 adopting a data-surface servo system inwhich the magnetic head for reading the positioning signal of themagnetic head is the same magnetic head used for reading and writingdata. Of course, in order to achieve the track density, theservo-surface servo system may be used, or the servo-surface servosystem and the data-surface servo system may be used at seeking andfollowing times, respectively. Alternatively, a combination of theservo-surface servo system and the data-surface servo system may beused. In accordance with the foregoing description, a very small, highcapacity and low power consumption SHDD which is suitable forincorporation into an apparatus can be provided. Although the embodimentin which the VCM which is a rotary moving type is used as the system formoving the magnetic head has been described, it is also possible to usea linear motor which is a linear moving type.

[0208] Embodiment 15

[0209] Referring now to FIG. 21, there is shown a perspective view of anSHDD of the present invention. The VCM 207 comprises a magnetic head204, a gimbal 226, a guide arm 206, a counter balance 227, a coil 228, amagnet 229 and a carriage 230. The counter balance 227 staticallybalances with the total mass of the magnetic head 204, the gimbal 226,and the guide arm 206 and a rotary shaft. The coil 228 is provided sothat a rotary axis of the rotary shaft is aligned with the center of anapplied force. If the rotary axis of the rotary shaft is not alignedwith the center of the applied force, the rotary shaft is struck upondriving of the VCM 207 to cause the tip end of the magnetic head 204 tooscillate. The oscillation at a following time lasts for a considerableperiod of time. Accordingly, the control performance is degraded. Sincethe rotary axis of the rotary shaft is aligned with the center of forcein the present embodiment, the residual oscillation at a following timecan be remarkably reduced to enhance the control performance. Inaccordance with the present embodiment, an SHDD suitable forincorporation into an apparatus in which the control performance forpositioning the magnetic head is remarkably enhanced can be provided.

[0210] Embodiment 16

[0211] Referring now to FIG. 22, there is shown a perspective view of anembodiment of an SHDD of the present invention. Today, more compact andlight weight SHDDs have been in demand to fulfill the demands forcompact and light weight machines such as portable personal computers.Accordingly, an SHDD mounted on a portable personal computer is about 12mm in height, about 73 mm in width and about 51 mm in depth. Only onemagnetic disk is mounted since the SHDD is only 12 mm in height. The onemagnetic disk is capable of storing at least 40 M bytes in view of theprocessing capacity of the personal computer on which the SHDD ismounted.

[0212] A power source for supplying power to the SHDD is a single powersource which is currently and widely most used in small officeautomation equipment. The voltage of the power source is about 5 voltsor about 3.3 volts which is capable of driving the SHDD.

[0213] The method of supplying the power source voltage to the SHDD isthe same as the method of supplying the power source voltage to the DIPtype of existing TTL devices. Specifically, the power supplyingterminals 231 and 232 are located at the left upper edge and the rightlower edge of the drive, respectively, as viewed from an upper positionwhen the longitudinal side of the drive is horizontal. One terminal 231is Vcc while the other terminal 232 is Vss. This prevents users frommixing up the terminals when designing or mounting the board.

[0214] In accordance with the present embodiment, a very small, highcapacity and low power consumption SHDD which is suitable forincorporation into equipment can be provided. Since the power sourceterminals for receiving voltage supplied from the external system areprovided on the electrical connection for transmitting and receivingcontrol and data signals to and from the external system, an SHDDoccupying less space for connection with the external system can berealized.

[0215] Embodiment 17

[0216] Referring now to FIG. 23, there is shown a perspective viewshowing a further embodiment of an SHDD. A method of supplying power tothe SHDD is specifically shown. If a flat parallel cable as shown in thedrawing is used, an external system and a signal connector 233 areprovided with a power cable 235 for feeding power from the externalsystem to the SHDD in parallel with a control signal/data signal cable234. Use of a keyed flat cable connector prevents the SHDD from beingbroken by the application of an abnormal voltage due to misinsertion ofthe connector. Since the electric connector for inputting and outputtingcontrol signals and data signals to and from the external system haspower terminals for receiving a voltage supplied from the externalsystem, an SHDD occupying less space for connection with an externalsystem can be provided. Analog and digital circuits may be separatelypowered in order to stabilize the operation of the electronic circuitsof the SHDD.

[0217] Embodiment 18

[0218] Referring now to FIG. 24, there is shown a spindle motor for theSHDD. The spindle motor 205 is of an outer hub and outer wheel rotarytype. A circuit board also functions as a member for supporting aspindle motor shaft. In accordance with the present embodiment,miniaturization of the spindle motor 205 can be achieved and the shafttorque can be increased. Accordingly, an SHDD having an effect to reducethe change in rotation can be provided. Of course, the spindle motor 205may be of the outer hub and inner wheel rotary type, or the inner huband outer wheel rotary type, or the inner hub and inner wheel rotarytype if miniaturization and stabilization of the rotation can beachieved.

[0219] Embodiment 19

[0220] Referring now to FIG. 25, there is shown an electronic circuitboard of an SHDD. The circuit board has a signal connecting unit 236.The electronic circuit includes a read/write signal processing LSI 237for writing and reading data to and from the magnetic disk, a datacontrol LSI 238 for controlling the data fed to and from an externalsystem, an actuator control LSI 239 for controlling the positioning ofthe magnetic head and the rotation of the spindle motor 205, amicrocomputer 240 for managing the control of the entire SHDD, and RAM241/ROM 242 for storing data. Since signal connection units andelectronic circuits are formed on one circuit board in accordance withthe present embodiment, an SHDD can be provided.

[0221] Having described the present invention with reference to theembodiments of a magnetic disk drive apparatus, the present inventionmay of course be applicable to a disk drive apparatus for an opticaldisk.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disk drive apparatus mounting socketcomprising: a socket portion which supports a disk drive apparatus; alead portion which is connected to the disk drive apparatus supported bythe socket portion; and a terminal unit which is electrically connectedto the lead portion and to circuits on a board.
 2. A disk driveapparatus mounting socket according to claim 1 , further comprising avibration absorbing member which contacts the disk drive apparatus.
 3. Adisk drive apparatus which is connectable to an information processingunit, the disk drive apparatus comprising: a connecting unit whichconnects the disk drive apparatus to the information processing unit;and an interface unit which controls the disk drive apparatus inresponse to a control signal, a data bus signal, and an address bussignal which are generated by the information processing unit and areinputted to the disk drive apparatus from the information processingunit via the connecting unit.
 4. A disk drive apparatus according toclaim 3 , wherein the information processing unit includes a memory cardconnector; and wherein the connecting unit is connectable to the memorycard connector of the information processing unit.
 5. A disk driveapparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising: a disk which is arecording medium; a head which writes data to and/or reads data from thedisk; a positioning unit which positions the head at a data accessposition on the disk; a rotating unit which rotates the disk; a controlunit which includes an electronic circuit; and a board on which thecontrol unit is disposed.
 6. A disk drive apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit generates a read/write clock having afrequency which changes depending on the data access position at whichthe head is positioned; and wherein the head writes data to and/or readsdata from the disk in response to the read/write clock.
 7. A disk driveapparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the rotating unit rotates thedisk at a speed which changes depending on the data access position atwhich the head is positioned.
 8. A disk drive apparatus according toclaim 5 , wherein the positioning unit moves the head in a rotary motionabout a rotary axis by applying a rotary force to the head such that acenter of the rotary force is aligned with the rotary axis.
 9. A diskdrive apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the connecting unitincludes power supply lines which supply power from the informationprocessing unit to the disk drive apparatus.
 10. A disk drive apparatusaccording to claim 9 , wherein the power supply lines include: analogpower supply lines which supply power to analog circuits of the diskdrive apparatus; and digital power supply lines, independent of theanalog power supply lines, which supply power to digital circuits of thedisk drive apparatus.
 11. A disk drive apparatus according to claim 5 ,wherein the rotating unit includes a rotary shaft; and wherein the boardincludes a support which supports the rotary shaft.
 12. A disk driveapparatus according to claim 5 , wherein at least one of the connectingunit and the interface unit is disposed on the board.
 13. A disk driveapparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the disk has an outer diameterof about 1.7 inches.